Switch equipped tubular construction



Dec. 22, 1936. F. w. scHWlNN SWITCH EQUIPPED TUBULAR CONSTRUCTION Filed June l, 1956 Patented Dec. 22, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SWITCH EQUIPPED TUBULAR CONSTRUCTION 1 Claim.

My invention relates more particularly, though not exclusively, to the equipping of the tubular handle-bars of cycles with switch devices for controlling electrically controlled, or operated, devices thereon such, as for example horns, or lamps, particularly those which it is desired to be flashed on or oli by the rider.

My objects are to provide for the equipping of tubular members with switch devices at relatively low cost; to aord a neat and trim appearance to the switch and tubular member assembly; to render the tubular member free of objectionable projecting parts; and other objects as will be manifest from the following description.

Referring to the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan View of a handle-bar of a cycle equipped with a switch device in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is a broken section taken at the line 2 on Fig. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the construction of Fig. 2 showing the handle-bar in section; and

Figure 4, a section taken at the line 4 on Fig. 2 and viewed in the direction of the arrow.

Referring to the particular illustrated preferred embodiment of my invention shown as applied to a handle-bar of a cycle represented at 5 and formed of tubing; it comprises electric switch mechanism involving a switch assembly comprising a block 6 of current insulating material, shown as of general cylindrical form with diametrically opposed recesses 'I therein at one end, and of a size to be introduced into the open end of the handle-bar to the desired position therein; in the particular construction shown into position in one of the rearwardly extending handgrip-forming ends 8 of the handle-bar commonly provided with hand grips 9.

The block 6, preferably formed as a one-piece structure, forms a support for two electric contact strips IU and II extending lengthwise of the block beyond one end on the latter, these contacts being located in one of the recesses 'I and secured to the block by a screw bolt I2. The contacts I0 and Il are relatively movable, in the construction shown being normally out of contact with each other. Preferably both contact strips are of spring metal, contact between them being made by pressing the free end of the contact Ill into engagement with the free end of the contact II.

Wires I3 and I4 leading from any suitable source of electric current supply and in one of which the electrical device, as for example a horn 5 (not shown) to be controlled or operated by the switch, is interposed, are in electrical contact, respectively, with the contact II and the contact I0, through the screw bolt I 2, a strip of insulation I 5 interposed between these contacts at the block 10 6 insulating these contacts from each other.

The switch also comprises a push button I6 preferably of current insulating material, located, and reciprocable in, an opening Il in the upper portion of the side wall` of the handle- 15 bar at a point convenient for operation by the thumb of the rider of the cycle while grasping the adjacent hand grip 9, the button I6 and contact I0 having interengaging parts whereby an operative connection is provided between 20 these members for operating the contact Ill by the push button. Preferably the connection between the push button and the contact I0 is provided by forrning the push button with an annular groove at its inner end as represented at 25 I8 and slotting the free end of the contact I0 as represented at I9 thus causing it to present a yoke portion the arms 20 of which in the assembled position of the parts extend into the groove I3 in the button. 3

In the particular construction shown the groove I8 is provided by screwing part way into the body of the button I6, a screw represented at 2l the head of which is spaced from the underside of this body portion.

In this particular construction the assembled block 6, contacts I0 and II, and the wires I3 and IG connected therewith, and with the push button I6 inserted into the opening Il in the bar, are inserted, as a unit into the open end of the handle bar and pushed therein into a position in which the yoke arms 2D enter the groove I3 in the push button; and the block 6 then secured in place in the bar as for example by pinning it to the bar as represented at 22.

Inasinuch as the switch parts are housed within the handle bar, the only part exposed being the push button I6, the bar is caused to be free of any objectionable projecting parts and presents an exceedingly trim and neat appearance.

While I have illustrated and described a particular embodiment of my invention I do not Wish to beunderstood as intending to limit it thereto as the same may be variously modied and altered and the invention embodied in other forms of structure without departing from the spirit thereof.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

In combination with a tubular member having an opening in the side wall thereof, an electric switch having a push button with a groove in its anca/10e side surface and insertable to position through said opening, said switch comprising a support and relatively movable contacts thereon insulated from each other and insertable into place in said member through an end of the latter, one of said contacts having a portion which becomes positioned in said. groove in the positioning of said switch parts in said member following the positioning of said push button in said opening, for the purpose set forth.

FRANK W. SCHXVINN. 

